Join me in celebrating the EFS blog’s 3rd year of blogging sans celebrating the 2nd since I was away for that one year; 10 months to be precise. In fact, I am rather a little apprehensive about whether I should consider celebrating this year as the second year of blogging or whether it should be celebrated simply as the 3rd year of my blog’s existence. While I am still confused about this I wonder what would you have done?

Anyways, we shall leave that matter to rest for a while. Here I am, happy with the two years of my active time on this blog. I have enjoyed every bit of it; not just blogging but also making friends, visiting their amazing blogs, learning something new and exciting, getting inspired, sharing recipes and being able to do something productive with my time. And for the time that I was away, my mind and heart were always aching to be back to blogging asap which exactly didn’t turn out to be asap! And you can’t imagine how glad I was to be back to blogging after that long hiatus. I treasure and hold dear, each and every comment, word of encouragement and feedback that I have received from the friends, readers, visitors and the followers of EFS. It all means a lot to me especially, considering that I was away for nearly a year yet I was embraced with the same warmth on my return. You guys rock! J

On this special day of my blog I am taking the chance, at the risk of sounding politically incorrect, to say just one more thing that nagged me just a little bit initially. Just as every coin has two sides to it, so have been my experiences. For all those wonderful and amazing bloggers whom I chanced to meet (on the virtual space) and know, I also unfortunately happened to come across a handful of those whom I realized choose to ‘move’ only amongst their own ‘coterie‘, who never care to even pay a courtesy visit despite my visits at their amazing blogs and leaving behind my thoughts about their blog and food. In all candidness, initially, it was a bit disappointing since I have always encountered the food blogging community as being warm, friendly, supportive, encouraging and very receptive of newbies. It left me wondering if they just didn’t happen to care about others in the blogging community or are they out-rightly rude or just simply happen to suffer from some delusion…of grandeur, perhaps.This isn’t me ranting or complaining; its just me thinking aloud.It is certainly their choice whom they wish to interact with or not for that matter, but being polite and courteous costs nothing, I believe. And that reminds of the golden words by Maya Angelou “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Just a handful of people, however, are pretty incapable of making me feel upset since I have so many reasons to be cheerful about! Wonderful friends, visitors, readers and bloggers from the community cheer me up and make my day with their encouraging and supportive words; let me tell you my friends, your mere presence on my blog is so heart-warming. I happen to be the one who count their blessings J

I chose to make this cake for my blog anniversary since it is easy and quick to make, gives the feel of being rich yet it happens to be so healthy. The cake is moist, dense, decadent and one major reason I truly adore it is, I can gorge on it guilt free. So go ahead, bake it and indulge!

200 gm (1 cup heaping) Demerara sugar 1 tbsp Baking powder(Update 2nd March – I intend to reduce the baking powder to 2 tsp since I felt that 1 tbsp leaves a slightly bitter after taste in the mouth; that I earlier attributed to something being wrong with the beets)50 gm (½ cup) Cocoa200 gm (1 cup scant) Yogurt2 tsp Vanilla extractFor icing, 3 tbsp Milk50 gram Dark chocolate (I used one with 45% cocoa)1 tbsp Cocoa powder75-100 gm Icing sugar (depending on how sweet you like the icing)For filling:175 gm Mascarpone cheese2 tbsp Icing sugar½ tsp Orange zestPreheat the oven at 180 degrees C. Line the base of a 20 cm spring form pan with parchment paper and grease the sides. Keep aside. Puree the beetroot in a food processor. Add rest of the cake ingredients and blitz till the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth batter. Scrape immediately in the prepared tin and bake for approximately 50 minutes to one hour or till skewer comes out clean.Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and flip it on the wire rack, flat side up. Once the cake is warm, slice the cake horizontally in two and let it cool completely.

For the icing, put all ingredients for icing in a sauce pan and heat. Whisk till it becomes smooth. Let it cool in the pan. For the filling, whisk the mascarpone cheese with icing sugar till there are no lumps. Add the orange zest and mix it into the cheese. Keep aside. To assemble the cake, place the bottom slice of the cake on the serving plate or cake stand. Tip the mascarpone filling over it. Spread evenly and gently place the other half of the cake over it. Pour the chocolate icing over the cake. Garnish the cake with nuts or chocolate shavings. Slice and serve.

Serves 8-10And here is a look at the top five posts that were the most visited at the EFS since my return in April 2013…

95 Comments

Congrats dear on the blog Anniversary!!! The cake looks moist and rich!!! I always wanted to bake a beet cake and I know where to get the recipe now.

Regarding people not commenting…I too felt that way, but some times visitors like to stay anonymous for a period of time and some come out of their enclosed shell occasionally. I have friends who visits my blog frequently, but never comments. Its part of the deal I guess, but I know they are there supporting me silently. You have done a great job making this place a visual treat for all kinds of visitors!!!

Happy Blog anniversary Taruna. 2nd or 3 rd does not matter… Being a blogger I know how much thought process it takes to zero down on a recipe and present it well and u take it one level further making east meet west I think that matters most. Virtual groups.. I am glad u raised ur opinion. I feel I am better off without them :))Beetroot cake- so much going on in there with yogurt, m cheese,chocolate..I am absolutely loving it.

Congratulation on that…A very nice recipie indeed..Regarding..bloggers not commenting back….I guess there are different kinds of bloggers out there..I guess some just find blogging as an outlet…and that’s all they want…No offence…Should be okay…Totally fine..I agree with Shibee too…

Hi di… Heartiest congratulations on reaching this milestone, and many many more to come… 🙂 Love the scrumptious cake, the kids have it once a week in their school menu; now will surprise them with the same at home! 🙂

Hi di… Heartiest congratulations on reaching this milestone, and may you have many many more to come… Kids have this scrumptious cake once a week on their school lunch menu, will surprise them with the same at home now… 🙂

Congrats on completing your 3rd year of blogging and this fabulous cake is just perfect for the occasion! I happen to experience what you’ve mentioned but they may have their reasons for doing so. Anyway just carry on with your blogging journey and be happy that some of the visitors really appreciate what you’re posting …

Taruna My sweet nd mouth watering wishes for ur blogs Anniversary.I am always been admirer of ur recipies. Very easy gulab jamun which i tried, or cake which i ate is the best. I tried some more also but these r best for me being veggi. But now as a celebration i will try this cake myself nd tell u the result by nandini nd shivam . ╮(╯▽╰)╭

Wonderful and delicious looking cake Taruna and congratulations! Its always a nice gesture when someone comes back and leaves a comment which is not found in many food bloggers these days and I have had some similar experience too! Well, I am really glad to touch base with you.

Congrats on your blog anniversary Taruna and many more happy years to come 🙂 Oh yes it did hurt me in the start about the way some people behaved but now I have learned to ignore and move on.. Like you said more reasons to feel happy so Y worry. I am not a chocolate fan but the cake looks so perfectly made and surely a delight for every chocolate lovers. I love the photos. they are just awesome!

Congrats on the anniversary and really, it doesn’t matter whether its the 2nd or 3rd. The intro is simply spot-on. Firstly, you’re so right about blogging, the friends we meet and how we share the passion of cooking and sharing. I don’t know how you stayed away from blogging for one year. For me, one day already is like so long. My other half says that I’m suffering from blogging madness.

But actually, its an avenue which gives me pleasure and not to be a popular blogger. And you are right about those who don’t even have the courtesy to drop by., Initially they will because they want to show their blog. Once they have you like a regular, they conveniently forget about doing the same. I’ve now learn to make new friends rather but of course I keep those close to my heart.

I love the cake, I love how you’ve presented it and I love the honest and straight forward intro. Again, I don’t know why I don’t see your post on my blogger feed. Wonder why???

Thanks Nav. It was indeed hard staying away from blogging but sometimes life leaves you no many options…You rightly said, it is more about one’s passion and keeping those genuine and wonderful friends close to one’s heart. I am totally clueless Nav why you are unable to get my blogger feeds. since I am not an IT savvy person, I am afraid I will be of no help 🙁

Happy blog anniversary!!!! So we’re about the same age. 🙂 I’m so glad you chose this recipe for a beet root cake because I had one the other day and it was the best cake I’ve ever eaten, and I don’t like beets!!! Yours looks delicious and moist just like I remember. I remember most of your top posts but there are a couple I need to go check out. BTW – I’m going to be making another batch of ghee this week. Thanks for sharing your post on making ghee!

My hearty congrats on ur 3rd blog birthday… each post is a manifestation of how much effort you put into ur cooking, baking ad pics for sure… the cake looks super awesome, being chocolate, i would have loved to dig my teeth into it…

Happppppyy Birthday to your Blog-Baby!This cake looks amazing! I’ve tried a beet-based chocolate cake once before, but unfortunately it didn’t turn out good. Yours looks delicious and easy enough, so I’ll be sure to give it a try soon 🙂Unfortunately some bloggers are in it for the numbers. They like to create a large following, and they enjoy seeing the numbers climb, but they don’t both connecting with those who are trying to connect and make a relationship with them. It’s sad and a little bit narcissistic in my opinion, but honestly, who needs friends like that anyway? 🙂

Thank you so much Henna 😀I totally agree with you and in my opinion they chose to connect with those few who are doing well in the community by the virtue of recognition given by certain reputed magazines or other publications.

Congrats on your 3rd birthday of your blog, wishing many more years of happy blogging. Don’t worry about comments or visit. You will get more, egg less chocolate cake is moist and delicious, love to have a slice now.

Congratulations on your 3rd year of blogging! And what a way to celebrate with this beautiful cake. I really enjoy your recipes. You have given me some great tips with cooking Indian food, so thank you. 🙂 By the way, your photography is amazing!!

Happy anniversary Taruna, a very well deserved celebration for your amazing blog!The anniversary cake looks so good- perfect for a special occasion.I always enjoy visiting , it’s such an inspiration.Regarding bloggers not commenting back- I agree it’s not a nice attitude, but anyhow you are probably better off without them 🙂

Taruna,my heartiest congratulations on your third blogiversary. The cake looks very beautiful and love the way you presented it! I totally agree with the Anonymous comment, sometimes people don’t comment back because they don’t want to. This does not mean that they are rude, they just don’t have time to do so.

I do not give two hoots to whether they comment or not. I was talking about blogging etiquettes and courtesies which definitely some bloggers lack and need some lessons for the same.

As for them not being rude or not having time, well, It becomes rude when the very same ones chose to visit those who are doing well in the community by the virtue of recognition given by certain reputed magazines or other publications. Then it is not about time but about being rude. Again, I repeat, it is totally their choice and I too choose…to voice my thoughts about such rude people.

One does not hanker for their visits or comments. Its like you visiting someone’s home (may be a neighbor) and extending courtesies and the person slamming the door on your face. It IS rude.

Congratulations on the 3rd anniversary! It’s a wonderful milestone that requires a cake! 😉 I always want to try beetroot in baked goods but haven’t had a chance to make anything yet. The cake looks moist and delicious!!

congrats taruna. just ignore, thats what i would say. i used to feel the same before, but now i don’t bother. finally what matters is your passion for cooking and blogging. i also did not blog for about 1.5 years in the span of 5 years. i missed blogging badly then and thank god i started to resume and continue to blog often now. i pray and hope you blog continuously and see many more anniversaries. the beetroot cake and its styling… everything looks great and gorgeous.

Hey Taruna!I have been following your blog since you posted the idli recipe. I think I saw the pic on one of the food porn sites and I fell in love with it. Being a South Indian who hates Idli (Ironic right :P), I l-o-v-e-d that pic. Somehow, missed this post. I stopped myself from commenting on your blog because I thought you are a well established blogger who wouldn’t care for my thoughts. I read this today and it made me smile. I experience the same thing with fellow bloggers and find it so annoying. I am glad you are so candid and openly expressed your thoughts! 🙂 Love your blog and the beautiful pictures:)